The Hinduja flagship, Ashok Leyland, recently unveiled the SUPER STALLION 8×8 High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) and with that, the expansion of their range of logistics vehicles.Also being displayed for the first time is a new face-lifted version of the very popular Stallion in 6×6 configuration with a new high power engine and auto transmission at DEFEXPO 2012, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
“The HMV 8×8 SUPER STALLION is our new top-of-the-range offering – a contemporary technology product that is proudly indigenous. This heavier Super STALLION platform builds on the heritage of the STALLION, of which more than 65,000 vehicles are deployed by the Indian Army. STALLIONS form the veritable backbone of their logistics operations and we cherish our role as their largest supplier of logistics vehicles,” said Mr. Nitin Seth, Executive Director – Defence Business, Ashok Leyland. “This experience, as well as experience in some of our new export markets has allowed us to factor customer feedback to achieve the significant improvements to the product,” he added.
SUPER STALLION 8×8 (HMV – High Mobility Vehicle)
The SUPER STALLION HMV 8×8 is the new flagship of Ashok Leyland’s range of logistics vehicles. It has been specially configured to meet the army’s emerging requirement for vehicles with higher mobility and greater power to operate in challenging desert terrains. It is propelled by astate-of-the-art powerful 360 hp (265 kW) Neptune engine,that can crank up a torque of 1400 Nm.Hub reduction axles ensure better ground clearance and grip for its 8 wheels in sand and the Central Tyre Inflation System (CITS) enables inflating or deflating tyreseven when on the move. Driver comfort is been addressed through air-conditioning, bucket seats in the ergonomic cab andparabolic suspension in front for a better ride. The SUPER STALLION platform promises the same versatility of the STALLION platform and can be offered for a variety of applications like Field Artillery Tractor and Mounted Gun with different transmission and driveline configurations.
STALLION 6×6
The STALLION 6×6 is significantly upgraded in form and function compared to its earlier version. It has a more powerful 165 kW Common Rail Diesel engine that is capable of 800 Nm of torqueto operate in demanding, mountainous terrain. Ease of use is addressed by the Automatic Transmission that is matched to the new engine. The STALLION 6×6 is also equipped with a modern, face-lifted cabin that is ergonomic, air-conditioned with bucket seats and fitted with a driver-friendly information display cluster panel. The parabolic spring suspensions in front improve ride comfort. The back-up Emergency Power Steering comes in most handy in treacherous conditions while the Semi-Automatic Tyre Inflation System helps when traversing across different kinds of terrains. The STALLION 6×6 can be used as Troop Carriers, Water and Fuel Bowsers, LRV and as the base vehicle to mount communication equipment and command control posts. This vehicle is already performing with the Royal Thai Army and is also operational in Honduras and South Africa.
Fleet Management System
Both these platforms are supported by a Fleet Management System (FMS) to ensure increased operational efficiency and fleet uptime. Fleet managers can track fleet usage, fuel usage and service complaints and plan scheduled preventive as well as corrective maintenance in addition to being informed about availability status of vehicles in the fleet. The simple and easy-to-use interface helps fleet managers, drivers and maintenance crews to log in vehicle data and generate relevant reports. Driver and mechanic training programmes can also be monitored through these dashboards. The entire FMS system can also be offered in a fully operational turn-key basis.
A comprehensive range of customer services is also on offerthat include service camps, mobile and driver trainings. Model rooms have been set up across the country for regular technical seminars, field service campaigns and the mammoth task of ‘training the trainers’ for operation/maintenance of the Indian Army’s Stallion fleet. A mobile parts store, positioned in the Eastern Command, ensures easy availability of genuine spares that not only helps getting the vehicle back on the road faster but keeps it going longer.
All of this helps Ashok Leyland stay true to its mission of being the trusted mobility partner for India’s Defence forces.
Also see – Ashok Leyland Defence Systems unveils the COLT range of tactical vehicle
